I'm planning to make my first kydex sheath

[Hickory n steel]

I'm not normally into kydex much but I have a couple knives that are better suited to kydex sheaths so I just ordered a sheet of .060 kydex and some eyelets, I've never really made a kydex sheath before so I have a few questions.

The main knife I'm planning to make a sheath for is my little Buck 160 smidgen, I hate the squishy plastic sheath and the retention I don't trust.


The knife is pretty thin so I'm not sure about retention.
Would you just stick to moulding around the finger choil, or would you try to mould into that retention hole in the tang ?
I like the idea of just retaining around the finger choil so there's more exposed handle to grab, but ultimately I'll go with whatever is going to hold the knife best.
If I wanted to retain by the hole, how would I make sure the kydex gets in there ? For moulding I have some neoprene foam rubber around, would that be good enough ?
I figure I'd have to probably use a Scott towel to keep from melting or sticking.


I pretty much have the other aspects sorted out I think, but I'd really appreciate any help with the things I don't.

 

[Sharpoholic]

Not sure if neoprene would work, it has a pretty low melting point of around 200f. You need to get kydex to 330-360 depending on the brand so something like closed cell hdpe is preferred. But regarding the retention, stopping at the choil should be fine

 

[Hickory n steel]

Not sure if neoprene would work, it has a pretty low melting point of around 200f. You need to get kydex to 330-360 depending on the brand so something like closed cell hdpe is preferred. But regarding the retention, stopping at the choil should be fine

Thank you for the info.

I will look for something better for the forming process.
Maybe for now just try a putting a thick towel over the neoprene for now ?

I am thinking of getting a bit into some minor kydex work because I can think of some things I wouldn't mind making, so it will probably be best to get some proper foam and do things right.

 

[elasmonut]

Ive used neoprene a fair bit in my press it sticks a little but wont damage the kydex at all, bit of paper towel will help but I dont bother.
II would just use the finger choil for retention, but if you want to use the hole it should dent through enough if your press is tight, its gotta be tight! More clamps the better.
Make sure to tape your blade first, I use 3-4 layers of masking tape trimmed to the shape of the blade, this will give some clearance and reduce but not eliminate scratching.
Press it tight then use a heat gun or even hair dryer to tweak the retention to where you want it.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Ive used neoprene a fair bit in my press it sticks a little but wont damage the kydex at all, bit of paper towel will help but I dont bother.
II would just use the finger choil for retention, but if you want to use the hole it should dent through enough if your press is tight, its gotta be tight! More clamps the better.
Make sure to tape your blade first, I use 3-4 layers of masking tape trimmed to the shape of the blade, this will give some clearance and reduce but not eliminate scratching.
Press it tight then use a heat gun or even hair dryer to tweak the retention to where you want it.

Thanks for the tips.

I was thinking of building up a bit extra tape on the edge of the knife to keep it from getting dulled by the kydex.
I'm not sure If that's actually a problem, but it's a concern I've always had.

 

[elasmonut]

I leave about 2-3mm beyond the edge with my tape, kydex is hard and likes to hold grit clearance is essential.
Its a fine balance between rattle and scrat hes though

 

[Hickory n steel]

My kydex and eyelets are available for me to pick up at the post office tomorrow, and I don't plan to waste any time getting started on it.
Before I jump right in I'll be sure to make a cereal box pattern like I would with a leather sheath, and to give the spacing some good thought.

 

[thebrain]

Walmart and many other stores have very inexpensive kneeling pads (for gardening) made of a foam that works well with kydex forming. Also sold as stadium bleacher seats they are just cut foam a bit over an inch thick, the more expensive ones have finished edges.

 

[Hickory n steel]

For a first attempt it could have been worse, but clearly I need practice.

I decided to just have one hole at the top so I could use less material figuring I'd probably not get it perfect on my first go.

Already I learned a thing or two for next time.
I also need to get the correct grommet setter, I thought the one I had was the right size but clearly it wasn't I don't think.
Unless the grommets I bought were just too long for the thin kydex I'm using.